Chapter 83: A Gift for Little Wan

Shen Xian stepped onto the stage and gazed into the distance. Fireworks blossomed across the sky, dazzling and romantic. The entire display would last for over ten minutes, and countless people made wishes beneath the glittering lights. In the distance, a dragon lantern snaked its way through the crowd, undulating gracefully.

“Sir, are you here to compose a poem?” the host asked.

Shen Xian nodded, “Yes. Where are the judges?”

The host pointed to an elderly man beneath the display board—there was only one judge this time.

It was none other than Xu Zijian!

The master of classical studies beamed at Shen Xian. “Young man, we meet again.”

“Will you write a poem or a lyric?” Xu Zijian inquired.

Shen Xian pondered briefly and replied, “A lyric.”

“Very well,” said Xu Zijian.

The display board held a hundred topics, each concealed beneath a black cloth. The young man before had chosen one, leaving ninety-nine remaining.

Shen Xian strolled casually to the center of the board and tore away a black cloth, revealing the topic—Compose a poem or lyric describing your ideal spouse.

Shen Xian was momentarily stunned by the prompt. Both Lin Zhixia and Zhou Wan fell silent and fixed their eyes on him.

How would he respond?

Xu Zijian smiled, “You have one minute. If you compose a poem or lyric that satisfies me within that time, you’ll win a million in cash!”

“Timing starts now!”

Shen Xian smiled gently, his gaze drifting to the distant fireworks, and began: “The east wind ushers forth a thousand blossoming trees by night, and scatters down, stars like rain.”

The crowd lifted their heads, watching the fireworks.

Just as the east wind scatters thousands of blossoms, it sends the fireworks cascading, falling chaotically like rain. His words perfectly captured the scene.

Xu Zijian commented, “So vivid, especially that line about the east wind, a thousand trees in bloom—it’s a brilliant metaphor!”

Shen Xian continued, reciting the next verse: “Jade steeds and carved carriages fill the fragrant roads. The sound of phoenix flutes stirs, the light of jade vessels turns, and all night long, fish and dragons dance!”

It described luxurious carriages filling the scented streets, melodious phoenix flutes echoing all around, a moon like a jade vessel drifting westward, and fish and dragon lanterns soaring and laughter resounding through the night.

The lively scene was painted in full.

Spectators looked toward the moon and the dragon lantern.

“But what does this have to do with describing a woman?”

“Yes, it’s supposed to be about his ideal woman!”

“Quiet, he’s not finished—there’s more!”

Indeed, Shen Xian began the next stanza: “Moth brows, snowy willow, golden strands; laughter and fragrance drift gently away.”

This meant the beautiful women wore brilliant ornaments in their hair, and passed by with smiles and gentle laughter, their perfume lingering in the air.

Many of the young women listened and smiled softly.

“What a wonderful lyric!”

“He’s praising us!”

“Does he mean we’re all his ideal image?”

The crowd buzzed with excitement.

Xu Zijian reminded him, “Twenty seconds left.”

Shen Xian withdrew his gaze from the fireworks, but his eyes were drawn to Zhou Wan, who was staring at him.

Looking at her, Shen Xian recited the final line: “Searching for her a thousand times amid the crowd, I turn suddenly—and there she stands, where the lights are dim.”

At the last line, the crowd was silent for a moment, then erupted in amazement.

“Wow, how romantic! He’s confessing to this woman!”

‘Searching for her a thousand times amid the crowd, I turn suddenly—and there she stands, where the lights are dim.’

“What a marvelous lyric!”

Everyone’s gaze settled on Zhou Wan.

She was stunned, then lowered her head as fireworks bloomed behind her and the misty lights illuminated her figure.

Even those with little education could grasp the meaning.

I searched for her countless times among the crowd; suddenly, I turned, and found her unexpectedly where the lights fade—she stood there, in the dim glow.

“Am I his idea of the perfect spouse?” Zhou Wan felt her heart racing.

For some reason, Lin Zhixia felt that discomfort rise again when she saw Shen Xian fixate on Zhou Wan.

“The east wind ushers forth a thousand blossoming trees by night, and scatters down, stars like rain. Jade steeds and carved carriages fill the fragrant roads. The sound of phoenix flutes stirs, the light of jade vessels turns, and all night long, fish and dragons dance. Moth brows, snowy willow, golden strands; laughter and fragrance drift gently away. Searching for her a thousand times amid the crowd, I turn suddenly—and there she stands, where the lights are dim.”

“A splendid lyric, truly a masterpiece! Shen, you are so talented!”

“This lyric vividly paints tonight’s brilliant, bustling scene, contrasting it with the image of a solitary, elegant woman who stands apart from the gilded, superficial crowd. Using contrast throughout, the first stanza details the dazzling lanterns and music, while the second focuses on Shen Xian himself, searching among the beauties for a lone woman standing where the lights fade. The structure is exquisite, the language refined, subtle yet profound, with endless charm.”

Xu Zijian clapped enthusiastically, his face full of admiration.

The onlookers were astonished.

In just one minute, he had composed such a brilliant and delicate lyric!

Such knowledge, such talent—who else could compare?

“What is the title of this lyric?” Xu Zijian asked.

It was originally called ‘Green Jade Table: Lantern Festival’, describing the festivities of the Lantern Festival.

But with the Mid-Autumn Festival approaching, writing about the Lantern Festival didn’t quite fit.

This didn’t faze Shen Xian.

He rolled his eyes and said, “Let’s call it ‘For Little Wan’!”

He dared not use Zhou Wan’s full name, but ‘Little Wan’ was perfectly acceptable.

“Wow, is her name Little Wan?”

“This is so romantic! If anyone wrote a lyric for me, I’d marry him on the spot!”

“See, you only know ‘Mouse Loves Rice’, but look at his ‘Searching for her a thousand times amid the crowd’!”

For a moment, countless young women gazed at Shen Xian with stars in their eyes.

Shen Xian’s looks were already among the finest—not the effeminate demeanor of popular idols, but an elegant, modest presence with well-defined features.

Coupled with his talent, he now gave the impression—like a jade among men, unrivaled in the world.

Zhou Wan was dazed, staring at Shen Xian in a trance.

“The million in cash is yours!” Xu Zijian declared.

With Shen Xian’s lyric commanding the stage, who else would dare compete?

Xu Zijian personally brought out a plaque, adorned with several zeros and a check inside.

Shen Xian accepted it with a beaming smile.

They posed for photos, many people took out their phones to capture the moment, and even Zhou Wan snapped a picture of Shen Xian.

Shen Xian stepped down from the stage, grinning as he tucked the check into his pocket. “Alright, time to go home!”

Qingqing stretched out her arms, asking Shen Xian to pick her up.

He scooped her up and kissed her cheek.

Lin Zhixia watched Shen Xian intently, but he never once looked her way.

He could have titled the lyric ‘For Lin Zhixia’, or even ‘For Little Wei’, and so on.

She felt as if the loyal ox who had always served her suddenly went to serve someone else instead—a feeling that made her extremely uncomfortable.

This evening, Shen Xian had gained much.

“Shen, remember to contact me when you’re free,” Xu Zijian called out.

Shen Xian nodded.

Zhou Wan was driving a modest yet elegant white Audi A3 tonight.

As soon as she got in, she removed her sun-protection jacket and took off her sunglasses, revealing her exquisitely beautiful face.

She glanced in the rearview mirror at Shen Xian, who sat in the back holding Qingqing, hesitated, and asked, “Can I stay at your place tonight?”

Qi Zhengqing was still in Nanzhou, as the wedding of the son of Binzhou’s richest man was in two days. That son was his friend, and he planned to leave after attending the ceremony.

What if Qi Zhengqing tried to bother Zhou Wan again?

These second-generation heirs rarely think things through, and if Qingqing got frightened, it would be bad.

So Shen Xian agreed, “Of course.”

There were two days until the wedding of Binzhou’s richest son, and Liu Sheng was getting anxious.

Meanwhile, Chen Feng and Liu Ruyun were excited, planning to perform a duet at the wedding as a gift for Binzhou’s richest son.

Zhou Wan also received an invitation and was considering whether to attend.

Ning Cai said, “You should go. After all, you’re now the deputy owner of Yu’an Media. If Liu Sheng runs into trouble, you can help out.”

“But even if I help, I don’t have any songs suitable for the occasion. All my old songs can’t be performed anymore,” Zhou Wan said, driving while talking on the phone.

Ning Cai replied calmly, “You have the Postman—what’s there to fear?”

Zhou Wan sighed, “I always trouble him. It feels a bit awkward.”